Stone Soup Theatre Project presents the World Premier of RUN CHRIS RUN

CHICAGO – On October 3rd, Stone Soup Theatre Project brings Run Chris Run to the Wilson Abbey stage as part of its ongoing anti-violence campaign. Artistic Associate Katie Angelica Abascal adapted this lyrical drama from the memoir 21: The Epitome of Perseverance by Chicago native Christopher Patterson. Run Chris Run is co-directed by Stone Soup’s Managing Director Alexandra Keels, and Artistic Director Whitney Kraus Jones.

PRESS PERFORMANCE: Press opening for Run Chris Run will be at 8:00 Friday the 10th. Please email ArtisticStoneSoupTheatre@gmail.com to request complementary press tickets.

Synopsis of the Show:

Run Chris Run follows the life of Chicago-native Chris Patterson and his quest for love, family, and acceptance. His journey begins in the foster care system, leading him to gangland, imprisonment, and ultimately deliverance. This “theatre project” tells the story of human perseverance and the individual strength it takes to change a life path.

Tickets:Tickets are always only $5 & can be purchased online at Artful.ly/StoneSoupTheatreProject or at the door.

Stone Soup Theatre Project is committed to building stronger communities and safer neighborhoods by providing access to affordable and relevant theatre, transferrable skills through theatre education, and by taking the stage onto the streets of North East Chicago.

What is the first stage production you remember seeing?My parents brought me to a production of A Chorus Line when I was really young. Tits and Ass....

Tell us a little about your character. You'll have to see the show.

What draws you/drew you to this production? What about the show resonates with you? The danger, the pain, the love, the loneliness, the search for family and community.

How do you feel the show is relevant to current events in Chicago and the US?I would hope that it would speak to anyone affected by or around gang culture here in Chicago and the US.

As the audience leaves the show, what do you want them to take away from it? Stay in school, stay away from gangs, love and be grateful for the family you have (and they don't necessarily have to be by blood either), love and respect yourself and others.

What is your favorite role you've ever played? Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet

Favorite quote/piece of advice? It's more of a story...The Buddha sat under a tree. He said I am going to sit here until I find enlightenment. A demon came and tempted The Buddha. The demon said "Who are you to seek enlightenment? Who are you to deserve this?" The Buddha put his hand on the ground and said "The Earth is my witness. I have a right to enlightenment. I have a right to be a human being." With that, he did find enlightenment.

When you're not on stage, what are you doing? Preparing to be on stage. Doing lots of yoga. Working at a vegan cafe.

Who has helped shape your life most? Who do you most admire? As far as shaping my life, I have had many wonderful guides, my Shakespeare teachers, my therapist, my meisner teachers, my yoga teachers, but ultimately the decisions that made me were my own.

Another day, another cast member! This time it's Rachel Silvert, who plays Chris's biological mother Cory.

As always, tickets are only $5 and are available at Artful.ly/StoneSoupTheatreProject!

Name: Rachel Silvert

Role:Cory

Where are you from?Northbrook, IL

What brings you to Chicago?I moved from DC back to Chicagoland last year to continue pursuing my acting career It's been great to get to know the city!

What is the first stage production you remember seeing?Oh, gosh I don't know. My mom did a production of The Music Man when I was maybe 4 or 5. Incidentally, that was the first show I'd ever auditioned for! I didn't get in, but I do remember sitting and watching her rehearsals. The other show that might be my "first" is probably The Nutcracker.

Tell us a little about your character.Cory is such a tragic character. She loves her son so much and wants him to be safe and happy and loved, but she can never figure out how to be that person for him. The person to keep him safe and happy and loved. Her addiction is so pervasive, touches every perspective, every thought she has, and that gets in the way of her being the kind of person, the kind of mother, she wants to be. I'm really enjoying exploring the levels of Cory, of that dichotomy of her identity as a mom and also that visceral need to feed her addiction.

What draws you/drew you to this production? What about the show resonates with you?The story we are telling through this production is just so important. Not everyone can relate personally to growing up on the streets, or watching their friends die or living with PTSD. But all of us know what it feels like to look at your life and wonder how you got here, to wish for a second chance to change oneself, and world, for the better. That definitely resonates with me.

How do you feel the show is relevant to current events in Chicago and the US?There is so much violence going on in the world these days, and Chicago, specifically with regards to our inner city youth, is no exception. Our play reflects that, but also shows how one positive influence, a hopeful presence, can make all the difference in the world.

As the audience leaves the show, what do you want them to take away from it?I hope our audience can recognize a part of themselves in the play. After the incredible journey Chris goes through, he ends up with such a sense of hope. I wish our audience will understand that we have a lot of work to do to make our city, our world, better. But there is always reason to hope, and there are good people willing to help.

When you're not on stage, what are you doing?Oh you know...running around like a headless chicken ha. But really, when I'm not onstage, I'm usually working another job. Lately I've been a server, a Hebrew school teacher, a nanny...I just started a gig as a Mad Scientist teaching an after-school science program, and it's super fun! When I'm not working at all, I like to read and hang out with friends. And bake. And watch Bones.

Who has helped shape your life most? Who do you most admire?I think one of most influential people in my life has been my younger sister. She has always been such a big personality and I envy her courage sometimes (and definitely her sense of style always). She works incredibly hard to achieve her goals and also makes time to relax and be with the people she loves. We've grown so close now that we're "grown-ups" and I can't imagine my world without her.

Favorite actor/musician/artist?I'm on a huge Sara Bareilles kick right now.